That is Country Labor candidate Alan Purtill's views on the state of the Murray electorate, which he has put his hand up to represent should he win the vote on March 23. 

Mr Purtill is the current mayor of Balranald Shire Council and has represented as a councillor sunce 1982. 

This is his first time stepping up to the state plate, having put his hand up to be Country Labor's nominee at the last minute. 

"I haven't had any experience at the state level before, I haven't run as a candidate before," Mr Purtill said. 

"I've been on local government for many years, so I do understand the issues. 

"I really decided to put my hand up at the last minute. Another candidate had fallen through, so I thought 'why not'? 

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"All you can do is try."

Mr Purtill said being the mayor of a community such as Balranald allowed him the privilege of speaking with the residents he representes every day. 

He believes there are many shared issues throughout the Murray electorate. 

"I think it's time things changed," Mr Purtill said.

"I don't like bagging out other people, but it's clear we've been ignored and forgotten for too long by those in power. 

"We've been overlooked, so it's time for a change."

Mr Purtill's platform of change is one many candidates for the Murray electorate are using during their campaigns. 

There are 10 nominees all vying to represent at the upcoming election, giving voters plenty of choice and ideas to mull over before casting their decision. 

Mr Purtill said he had several other platforms he would like to focus on should he be elected. 

"My big things are infrastructure, roads and the river system," he said. 

"Our rivers are in a state of disarray and unless we start doing something, we will lose this precious resource. 

"Water is valuable commodity to many in our communities. 

"We've all seen what has happened at Menindee. We don't want that to happen here."

Mr Purtill said roads in the Murray electorate also needed huge upgrades.

"So many of our roads need repairing and work done to them," he said. 

At the byelection for Murray in 2017, Leeton's Michael Kidd was Country Labor's candidate, picking up the third-highest amount of votes with 9324 at the final count. 

Mr Purtill is hopeful voters will place their faith in him when they head to the polling booths. 

"The bush has been left in the dark for far too long," he said. 

"People are more aware of this than ever and they aren't happy. 

"They want change and they want to know their voice matters."

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